The death occurred on August 23 of John O'Keeffe, Coolnahiley, Tullamore and formerly of Erryarmstrong, Clara. He passed away peacefully after a short illness in the loving care of the staff at the surgical ward of Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore. John's working life began in Ranks Flour Mills, Clara and continued there for 27 years until their closure in 1971. He retired in 1990 form his job as a bank porter in AIB bank Tullamore where he was very popular with staff and customers alike and gained many life-long friends. John's interests included a great love of the GAA. He was a member of the Clara GAA club from an early age and played junior hurling with them for 25 years to the early 1960's. He was also on the Executive committee for 20 years. He became involved with Ballinamere GAA Club when he came to live in Coolnahiley and enjoyed many successes with them as Vice Chairman and selector including winning the AIB Club of the Year in 1980. The Guards of Honour from both Clara and Ballinamere GAA clubs were fitting tribute to the esteem in which John was held. His other main interests were his garden which he always kept beautifully decorated and also playing cards which he enjoyed for many years. john is survived by his wife Anne (nee Duffy, Ballinough, Clara), daughters Charlotte Buckley (Rahan) and Louise McCourtney (Tubber), his adored grandchildren Conor and Aine, sister Susan Pidgeon (Tullamore), sons-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and his many friends. John's funeral took place on August 25 in St. Bridget's Church Clara where a very large attendance gathered as a fitting demonstration of public regret and sympathy. Mass was celebrated by family friend Fr.John Brogan PP Donore, assisted by Fr Rory O'Brien, home from the Cameroons and Fr. Patrick Keary PP Clara. Burial took place afterwards to the Monastery cemetery, Clara. Courtesy of the Offaly Express. 12 September, 2007 Tweet

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